Humor in everyday care: how do you make work easier

Humor in everyday care: how do you make work easier

In the world of geriatric care, the importance of empathy and professional competence is often talked about. However, a new perspective emphasizes the role of humor and joy in everyday life of nurses. Laughing, numerous studies show, releases happiness hormones and has a positive effect on body and mind. It helps to reduce pressure situations, reduce fears and create a relaxed atmosphere. These are decisive factors in a professional field that is often faced with emotional and physical challenges.

In an innovative approach, the trainers of elderly care, especially Erika Birner-Hintermaier, teach that a humorous approach to care is advantageous for both the trainees and for the persons to be looked after. Birner-Hintermaier, who has completed a two-year clown training, leads the prospective nursing staff through interactive courses that address the use of humor in care placement. In doing so, she emphasizes how important it is to make everyday situations creative and emotionally.

The importance of humor in care

Especially in direct contact with patients, residents and colleagues plays a major role. In social professions, open and friendly coexistence can not only loosen up the atmosphere, but also promote one's own mental health. Birner-Hintermaier is convinced that trainees should learn to use their humor in everyday care in order to better master challenges and strengthen their own resilience.

One of the central goals of the courses is to give prospective specialists deeply aware of their own mental health. Because only those who feel comfortable can also help others. The participants learn how to integrate humor in different situations, so that care is not only a duty, but also an enriching experience.

  • humor releases happiness hormones.
  • he reduces stress and fears.
  • The atmosphere in everyday care is more relaxed.
  • humor promotes one's own mental health.

A particularly easy-to-implement tip from Birner-Haltaier is: "Laugh at least once a day, preferably in the mirror early in the morning." This small but effective practice should help to start the day positively and to raise your own mood. The trainees are encouraged to heart this advice and laugh as an integral part of their life and work.

growing awareness of mental health in geriatric care

The training of Erika Birnner-Hintermaier is an example of how social professions develop in order to meet the needs of the skilled workers and the people to be cared for. Humor is not only regarded as a tool, but as an essential part of the interaction, which promotes both the well -being of employees and that of the patients.

The combination of professionalism and humor could thus be a way forward for geriatric care, at a time when it is becoming increasingly important to find the balance between stress and positive lifestyle.

The role of humor in care

The importance of humor in nursing should not be underestimated. Studies show that laughter and humor not only promote general well -being, but also improve the relationship between nurses and patients. Humor can help reduce barriers and create a room for open communication. Especially in stressful situations that occur frequently in nursing, a little humor can reduce tension and support the creation of a positive environment.

In various care facilities, humor is used specifically to create a pleasant environment. Nurses are trained in promoting humorous interactions, which helps the patient feel more comfortable and overcome their fears. A soulful approach to people can also contribute to better healing, since the patients can open up more easily in a friendly and supportive climate.

mental health of the nursing staff

The mental health of the nursing staff is another important topic that is closely associated with the use of humor. Nurses are often exposed to high emotional and physical stress. The use of humor offers a way to reduce stress and promote your own resilience. Through humorous techniques, nurses can learn to better deal with difficult situations and to maintain their emotional balance.

The operation of humorous exchange formats in teams has also proven to be effective. Teams that laugh regularly often show greater satisfaction at work and better team dynamics. In the long term, these positive effects can help reduce fluctuation in the nursing profession and to improve the general working atmosphere.

research results on humor in care

A study by the “International Journal of Nursing Studies” (IJNS) has shown that the use of humor in nursing not only increases patient satisfaction, but can also significantly reduce the stress level of nursing staff. The results suggest that inserting humorous elements into everyday care not only the mental health of the nursing staff, but also the physical healing of the patients.

Another aspect is to improve communication between nursing staff and patients. According to a survey by the “European Journal of Clinical Investigation”, the compliance of patients (willingness to follow medical instructions) increases if nurses act humorously. These findings underline the positive influence of humor on the therapeutic relationship and the general treatment result.